|
Important Information About
Traveling With Your Pet
If you're planning a
trip outside the country with your pet, you'll need to know what forms,
vaccinations and blood tests may be required by your host country. Please
be advised some countries require this process to be started several months in
advance. Companion
Animal Hospital can help you with all your pet
export questions.
CLICK HERE
to print out our
helpful pet travel brochure
|
|
|
Within
the Contiguous
United States & Alaska
If
traveling by air, your pet is required to be examined by a veterinarian within 5
to 10 days of your travel date; some airlines require a shorter time frame. If
your pet is deemed fit to travel, the veterinarian will issue a Washington State
Small Animal Health Certificate.
The following information is required:
-
Your full name and complete current address
-
Complete name and address of your destination
-
Documentation of your pet’s Rabies vaccine history if not given at Companion
Animal Hospital
Health Certificates are valid for 30 days after the issue date for your return
flight.
Please contact your airline directly prior to scheduling an appointment
for the health certificate to obtain their list of requirements.
Airlines also have specific requirements regarding carrier size, and have “no
fly” times during the year in which your pet may not be allowed to travel in the
cargo section of the plane due to extreme temperatures. Other times, airlines
may simply require a written statement from a veterinarian indicating
temperatures that are safe for your pet.
Outside
the Contiguous U.S.
Traveling to Foreign Countries
Traveling outside the U.S. can become more difficult for your pet. Each country
maintains its own set of regulations regarding vaccine history, testing,
parasite control, microchips, and quarantine that may be required of your pet
before s/he can enter that country. Please keep in mind that if you have a
layover in another country prior to your final destination, your pet may be
required to meet that country’s requirements as well.
Once you know where you are going, it is strongly recommended you get as much
information as possible about the requirements for pet export/import to those
countries. Some countries require the Rabies vaccines and testing to be done at
very specific intervals, sometimes months in advance, prior to allowing your pet
entry into the country. Please also be aware that if your travel plans
change, it is extremely important to notify us immediately as this can often
change the requirements.
Below are some helpful links for acquiring information about pet export:
The
United States Embassy or Consulate for the country you wish to travel
www.usembassy.gov
Washington State Department of Agriculture
www.agr.wa.gov
USDA - APHIS; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
www.aphis.usda.gov
Companion has successfully sent animals to the following states and countries:
-
Australia
-
Brazil
-
China
-
Finland
-
France
-
Germany
-
Hawaii
-
Ireland
-
Japan
-
Mexico
-
New Zealand
-
Norway
-
Spain
-
Sweden
-
United Kingdom
Pet
export can be a lengthy and sometimes costly process, but we are willing to make
this as easy a transition as possible for you and your pet. It is
extremely important that you are aware of the requirements and time frames for
testing, vaccination and traveling, and that the responsibility for compliance
is in your hands.
Companion will assist you through this process, and obtain the necessary forms
and documentation, as well as provide you with a checklist of requirements for
the country(s) of destination. Working together we can make sure
that your pet joins you on any adventure or move you can imagine!
For
additional information, cost estimates, or to schedule an appointment, please
ask to speak to our Export Specialist, Meghan Rasmussen.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
-
It is very important for you to know the requirements for your country of
destination.
-
Notify your veterinarian as soon as you know your destination and dates of
travel as vaccination and other requirements are often required to begin
several months in advance.
-
If travel plans change at any time during the process,
it is extremely important to notify your
veterinarian immediately as requirements may also change.
-
Our Export Specialist is there to guide you through this process and ensure
all paperwork is complete, however it is your responsibility to ensure all
appointments are made and documents are sent to the proper locations in a
timely manner.
-
Export and document preparation fees are due in full upon completion of the
first export visit and are non refundable
For any pet travel, pet export
questions E-mail us at:
export@companionah.net
 
|
